Early Victorian side chair would sell for $265 to $285

January 05, 1992|By James G. McCollam | James G. McCollam,Copley News Service

Q: Enclosed is a picture of one of a pair of chairs. I bought them in a used-furniture store for $150 for the pair. I spent another $100 to have them upholstered and refinished. I have been told that the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a chair just like these. Their chair was described as having been made in New York City sometime between 1840 and 1860. Can you give me any information about these chairs and what the value might be?

A: These are early-Victorian side chairs made in the third quarter

of the 19th century. It is quite possible that a chair like this is in the Metropolitan. They have furniture representative of all periods. It does not confer special status or exceptional value.

Your chairs would probably sell for $265 to $285 each.

Q: This mark is on the bottom of an elaborate compote. It is supported by three cherubs and has lattice work in the cover. It is decorated with garlands of flowers. I would appreciate anything you can tell me about it.

A: The mark you provided was used by Meissen (Germany) from 1723 to 1736 when it was the personal property of Augustus Rex, King of Saxony. It was also used by Helena Wolfsohn in Dresden, Germany, from 1850 to 1881. Logic dictates that this was the work of Helena Wolfsohn. Compotes such as you describe have sold for as much as $500.

Q: I have a 10-inch cut-glass vase marked with an "S" in a wreath. Can you tell me who made it, when it was made, and its value?

A: Your vase was made by the H.P. Sinclair Co. in Corning, N.Y., in the early 1900s. It should be worth about $300.

Q: I have an old blue-and-white platter with an oriental scene. It measures 11 inches by 18 inches and is marked "Mason's Patent Ironstone China -- England." Can you tell me anything about the vintage and value?

A. Your platter was made by the G.M. & C.J. Mason Co. in Lane Delph, England. It was made about 1900 and would probably sell for at least $100.

Send your questions about antiques with picture(s), a detailed description, a stamped, self-addressed envelope and $1 per item to James G. McCollam, P.O. Box 1087, Notre Dame, Ind. 46556. All questions will be answered; published pictures cannot be returned. Mr. McCollam is a member of the Antique Appraisers Association of America.